Coutinho Recalled to Brazil Squad

Eyebrows were raised when Philippe Coutinho found himself omitted from Dunga's squad ahead of preliminary international friendlies before next summer's World Cup in France, but now finds himself involved along with Barcelona's Rafinha after Chelsea duo Oscar and Ramires were withdrawn through injury.

Now, the Brazilian playmaker will likely play a part - alongside teammate Roberto Firmino - against Costa Rica and the United States in September.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers described the decision to axe his star man as "unbelievable," on the back of a campaign that saw the 23-year-old included in the Premier League's team of the season. He's also been in sensational form at the start of the Barclays Premier League campaign, linking up well with Christian Benteke and scoring the winning goal against Stoke City at the Britannia.

The suggestion had been that Liverpool's #10 had not taken the opportunity to cement himself as the focal point of Brazil's attack in the absence of Neymar at the Copa America, as his country crashed out of the competition at the quarter final stage after losing to Paraguay on penalties.

The recall means that Coutinho will have to make his way home from the United States just four days before Liverpool travel to Old Trafford to take on arch rivals Manchester United.